08/10/2019
One of my favorite forms of meditation.
Nothing warms the heart like a loving hug. To make the experience even deeper, Thich Nhat Hanh teaches us this practice of hugging meditation.
VetCAT: A Veterans' Creative Arts Therapy Program
- Home
- United States
- Chicago, IL
- VetCAT: A Veterans' Creative Arts Therapy Program
VetCAT: A Veterans' Creative Arts Therapy Program has moved to the National Veterans Art Museum! Con
(2)
The Veterans' Creative Arts Therapy (VetCAT) Program provides quality creative arts therapies for all veterans and service members in a supportive community environment, to promote mental health and the development of positive coping skills which will facilitate successful transition to civilian life. Transitioning from high-stress military service and culture to a home community environment can b
e the most difficult part of a veteran’s journey. Men and women in the military often return home only to face a new set of struggles as they carry physical and psychological changes and wounds into a society that does not fully understand their experiences or their sacrifices. Some returning veterans and service members experience great feelings of isolation. Veterans and service members have rich stories to share about their experiences of military service and about coming home. These stories, because of their complex or difficult subject matter, may be hard to convey through casual conversation. The arts (visual art, dance/movement, poetry and creative writing) offer alternative means by which to tell these stories and to have them be witnessed by others. PROGRAM GOALS
• To facilitate successful reintegration and transitions in civilian life.
• To promote the mental health of participating veterans and active duty service members.
• To recognize and de-stigmatize PTSD.
• To increase knowledge about the mental health issues which are commonly distressing to veterans and their families. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
• Participants will engage in self-expression to decrease isolation.
• Participants will improve communications with family members and develop stronger connections with their community.
• Participants will identify their resiliency and strengths.
• Participants will learn and develop self-care and coping skills.
• Community and family will gain recognition and understanding of military culture, and the unique challenges and sacrifices of veterans.
10/09/2014
What an extraordinary initiative from Creativets: "Artists' jobs are to speak for people who are not spoken for, who have a silent voice."
Richard Casper, an Iraq War veteran and School of the Art Institute alum, started CreatiVets in 2013.
09/06/2014
Something lovely for your Friday night.
Gander, a charming labradoodle, helped veteran Lon Hodge recover from crippling anxiety and depression after his service. Here's their story.
08/22/2014
This came out a few days ago, but the image (below) was so striking (and the message so good), that we just had to repost. (via The Wall Street Journal)
With studies showing a direct link between the content of images and the brain's reaction to pain, stress, and anxiety, hospitals are giving artwork a higher priority.
08/22/2014
VetCAT friends, you might enjoy tomorrow's poetry workshop at the National Veterans Art Museum! Hope to see some of you there!
We hope to see you there!
https://www.facebook.com/events/802808986419759/?ref=5
08/08/2014
Thought some of you might want to join us for a bike ride tomorrow afternoon! The Chicago Bicycle Coalition will lead us on a tour of the Northwest side. Co-hosted by the National Veterans Art Museum and Arts Alive Chicago. Look forward to seeing you tomorrow!
Chicagoans, veterans, cycling enthusiasts and more—are all welcomed to our architectural biking tour of the city. Starts August 9, 2014 from
1:00 p.m. to approximately 2:30 p.m. for ½ ride or 4 p.m. for full loop.
Meet us at: Jefferson Memorial Park!
4822 N. Long Avenue (at Higgins)
https://www.facebook.com/events/666947933388727/
08/05/2014
We like the sound of this! (via TED-Ed)
When you listen to music, multiple areas of your brain become engaged and active. But when you actually play an instrument, that activity becomes more like a full-body brain workout. What’s going on? Anita Collins explains the fireworks that go off in musicians’ brains when they play, and examines s…
07/31/2014
Last chance to see Esprit de Corps, an exhibition highlighting the spirit of creative resilience at the National Veterans Art Museum!
Esprit de Corps will be coming down this Thursday! Don't miss your last chance today or tomorrow to see our therapeutic art exhibition featuring the artwork of nine veterans of Vietnam, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Global War on Terror.
07/22/2014
Does this take on running as a PTSD treatment (from Runner's World) surprise you? Nice to see Team Red White & Blue get a shout-out. If you like what you read or want to find a team (for running, walking, yoga, swimming or more), let us know and we'll put you in touch with the Team RWB Chicago chapter!
"But if you run, you expect your heart to beat faster and your palms to sweat and your stomach to maybe feel like a bowl full of junk. And the more often you run, the more you expose yourself to those physical sensations, the thicker the layer of new memories becomes—the dominant memory associated with those sensations is no longer the fire-fight. It's the interval workout you did that morning. That trauma memory is still there. It doesn't go away, but it's no longer the most salient, and it no longer triggers a response.
"'With fight-or-flight reactions,' Peterson says, 'there's a significant physiological reaction, and vigorous exercise like running comes closest to what that reaction is like. The goal is not to get overwhelmed by the physiology and quit, but to channel the surge of adrenaline into running, cognitively process the traumatic events, and lay down new memories.'"
PTSD is shattering the lives of thousands of American soldiers. But some experts believe running can counter the disorder's debilitating symptoms—and help restore the joy that war erased.
07/20/2014
Congratulations to Art Therapy Alliance on a big Facebook milestone. VetCAT: A Veterans' Creative Arts Therapy Program fans might be interested in contributing a mandala celebrating the awesomeness and power of art therapy. Follow the link for more information (and tutorials, if you've never done one before--they're easy and fun!).
To contribute to this community project, please e-mail your own original mandala art photo to [email protected] w/ a brief statement describing how your 360 image celebrates this amazing field and practice around the globe!
07/18/2014
Have you checked out The Report, the online literary journal of the Veterans Writing Project? New fiction, non-fiction and poetry by veterans is added every few days!
The Literary Journal of The Veterans Writing Project
07/17/2014
Have you seen Wes Moore's TEDTalk? What do you think? We invite you to share links to other pages/videos you find thought-provoking, challenging, beautiful or otherwise interesting and we welcome your feedback on Wes Moore's talk!
Wes Moore joined the US Army to pay for college, but the experience became core to who he is. In this heartfelt talk, the paratrooper and captain—who went on to write "The Other Wes Moore"—explains the shock of returning home from Afghanistan. He shares the single phrase he heard from civilians on repeat, and shows why it's just not sufficient. It's a call for all of us to ask veterans to tell their stories — and listen.
07/16/2014
We have lots of great VetCAT workshops taking place this summer! Find a four-week session that fits into your schedule and join us for Bookmaking: Exploring Identity in Word and Image! Give this post a share and help spread the word—as always, free and open to veterans of all backgrounds and experiences!
07/08/2014
An interesting article on the power of creative expression and the Veterans Writing Project!
"A century later, the longest stretch of fighting in American history has produced a new crop of writers. They've published books, essays, poems and plays, and they've written for themselves — letters they never intended to send, notebooks that no one else has opened.
"They've learned the hard way what science has shown: Writing about traumatic experiences can make a difference when nothing else has. It improves physical and psychological health. It organizes chaotic thoughts. It helps you find meaning, and then get on with things."
Ron Capps runs a nonprofit called the Veterans Writing Project. Launched three years ago, it offers free writing courses for current and former service members and publishes their work in a literary review called O-Dark-Thirty.
07/07/2014
LAST CALL FOR WATER SKIING PARTICPANTS!!!!
The Recreation Therapy department at Jesse Brown VA is planning on taking Veterans water skiing with Adaptive Adventure on Monday, July 14th. Erin can only take up to 10 Veterans for this event so please give Erin a call at 312-569-7653 if you would like to sign up to attend.
*everyone keeps thinking that since there is only 10 spots they must be full so they aren't signing up, there is still space, call Erin ASAP
04/15/2014
Join us on Saturday, April 19 from 3 - 5 p.m. for The Clothesline Project, an opportunity for survivors of MST or sexual violence to tell their stories in a confidential workshop led by two experienced art therapists.
Participating veterans will use art materials to write, draw, or paint their experiences on a t-shirt.
You are not alone. Break the silence.
03/21/2014
Vet CAT programming resumes this weekend ( snow or no snow) ! Veterans join us from 1-3 this Sunday at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago located at 37 South Wabash, room #403 in downtown Chicago. Participants will have to show an ID at the door and have a picture taken for a temporary ID. All materials are provided along with light refreshments and a creative community experience. New veterans please email to register art [email protected]. New upcoming developments in Vet CAT programming and satellite locations around Chicago to be announced in the near future. Welcome all veterans and welcome spring!
02/12/2014
VetCAT: A Veterans' Creative Arts Therapy Program has moved to the National Veterans Art Museum !
The same great program focused on providing veterans with high quality, creative arts therapies -- now housed in a first-class art museum. The mission of the National Veterans Art museum is to inspire a greater understanding of the real impact of war. From education and advocacy to cultural engagement and therapy, we are dedicated to honoring the stories of those who served.
Call us for more information about our VetCAT Program at 312-326-0270. You may also visit us in Chicago at 4041 N. Milwaukee Avenue or online at www.nvam.org.
11/25/2013
11/22/2013
AMAZING performance last night!
Check the blog for more: http://apccchgo.wordpress.com/2013/11/22/women-at-war-workshop/
11/15/2013
Come see Women at War November 21st.
Written by Veterans about Veterans.
Check the blog for more!
http://apccchgo.wordpress.com/2013/11/15/what-vetcats-been-up-to/
11/11/2013
10/29/2013
Help us spread the word for a great opportunity for parents and children! The National Veterans Art Museum is pleased to host a series of workshops to coincide with performances of Veterans' Voices by Erasing the Distance. See flyer for more information!
09/27/2013
Free, confidential support for Veterans in crisis and their families and friends. Call the Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255 and Press 1) or chat online 24/7/365.
08/22/2013
Bill Moller talks to Suellen Semekoski, a certified art therapist and adjunct associate professor at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, about what art therapists do and how art therapy helps veterans and other people who need healing.
08/17/2013
VetCAT workshop facilitator and SAIC Art Therapy facutly, Suellen Semekoski, is on WGN Radio 720 am right now on The Voice of Chicago talking about Veterans, Art and art therapy. Tune in now and join the conversation.
07/10/2013
FREE EVENT FOR VETERANS, ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS, and THEIR FAMILIES OPTIONAL PRE-REGISTRATION - Get your free tickets here ahead of time and be fast-tracked through registration on the day of the event! The Illinois Supporting All Veterans Equally (I-SAVE) Foundation, US Department of Veterans…
07/09/2013
Visit our Current Gallery Show --
KOREAN WAR 60th ANNIVERSARY
Skokie Heritage Museum's current show commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice through a variety of images and memorabilia, courtesy of the private collection of Mr. Jin Lee. This exhibit is presented in conjunction with the Korean Keumsil Cultural Society. Show includes local soldier medals and memorabilia loaned by area families displayed in four exhibit cases.
> Exhibit runs now through Sept. 26, 2013.
> Join us for the official opening reception on June 22nd at 2pm
Over 28 murals help viewers follow the three year history through newspaper accounts, national archive photos and much more. Start with the National Geographic panel for an overview of "The Forgotten War: Three Long Years in Korea" then follow the timeline clockwise around our second floor gallery.
07/09/2013
APCC's Jin Lee has been collecting Korean War artifacts and photos that are on display at the Skokie Heritage Museum until September 26, 2013.
06/06/2013
Check out this great article about our programming.
We are Warrior Artists!
Suellen Semekoski is one of two clinicians working with VetCAT. "What I've found is the most important thing is helping the veteran get familiar with the materials, and helping a veteran get past the elitist notion of 'An artist does this and I don't do this,'" she said.
05/13/2013
On November 17th, 2012 VetCAT hosted its first Body Be Well event complete with movement exercises, arts, massages & activities!
01/08/2013
We have (finally!) added photos from the VetCAT Body Be Well event on the APCC page:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151206127818176.446524.171135278175&type=1&l=3a7e80a959
On November 17th, 2012 VetCAT hosted its first Body Be Well event complete with movement exercises, arts, massages & activities!
11/12/2012
Honored and humbled by your service, brave Veterans!
Address
4041 N Milwaukee Avenue
Chicago, IL
60641
Alerts
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when VetCAT: A Veterans' Creative Arts Therapy Program posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Shortcuts
Share
Nearby museums
-
N Milwaukee Avenue
Other Chicago museums
-
Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures
E 58th Street -
Chicago Women's History Center
The Fine Arts -
N Greenview Avenue
-
W Armitage Avenue
-
S Michigan Avenue
-
National Public Housing Museum
N Kingsbury Street -
S. Jean Baptiste Pointe Dusable Lake Shore Drive
-
Museum of Contemporary Photography
S Michigan Avenue -
S Cornell Avenue
-
Loyola University Museum of Art (LUMA)
N Michigan Avenue -
W Walton Street
-
S Lasalle Street
Comments
***Calling all Veterans to Submit Your Story!***
Do you or do you know of someone who suffers from PTSD or a moral injury?
Warrior Films is currently in production on Veterans Journey Home, a compelling feature documentary exploring how to successfully aid our psychically wounded veterans.
We would love to hear your story—your experience with PTSD or moral injury, your worst days, how PTSD or moral injuries have affected you and your family and how it has changed your life. We would also love to hear how you or your loved one is healing from PTSD or moral injury. Your experiences will help others in the same situation.
Now is the chance to share your story, your experience, your struggle, and your path to healing. Post a photo of yourself in uniform (or similar to the one here) along with a one-paragraph or less story. Please include your branch of service, highest rank achieved, and age. Make sure to tag your post by typing and selecting Warrior Films from the drop down list.
Your story may be featured in the documentary.
With your help, we will shed new light on PTSD and moral injuries straight from the people it affects the most.
Do you or do you know of someone who suffers from PTSD or a moral injury?
Warrior Films is currently in production on Veterans Journey Home, a compelling feature documentary exploring how to successfully aid our psychically wounded veterans.
We would love to hear your story—your experience with PTSD or moral injury, your worst days, how PTSD or moral injuries have affected you and your family and how it has changed your life. We would also love to hear how you or your loved one is healing from PTSD or moral injury. Your experiences will help others in the same situation.
Now is the chance to share your story, your experience, your struggle, and your path to healing. Post a photo of yourself in uniform (or similar to the one here) along with a one-paragraph or less story. Please include your branch of service, highest rank achieved, and age. Make sure to tag your post by typing and selecting Warrior Films from the drop down list.
Your story may be featured in the documentary.
With your help, we will shed new light on PTSD and moral injuries straight from the people it affects the most.
Hi everyone! Please support and LIKE Veteran Documentary Corps' page! https://www.facebook.com/veterandocs/
And watch VDC films at: https://vimeo.com/veterandocs
And watch VDC films at: https://vimeo.com/veterandocs
VetCAT is temporarily on break from programming. Please contact Suellen Semekoski or Jenny Korotko for any questions about future VetCAT projects.
GRAYUSH, THE PAVAROTTI OF CATS
Read of how a sickly & unattractive tomcat sang his way to leadership of an alley cat community in "My Street Cats". These amazing animals never cease to surprise me!
All book sales go towards the ongoing care and TNR program for the cats in my neighborhood. So read a story, share with friends, help a cat! :-)
"My Street Cats" tells of a community of stray cats who lived in my garden in Jerusalem, where I fed and cared for them for over 14 years. The book provides a rare look into the lives of these cats not only as individuals, each with his or her distinctive personality, but also as members of a community. As we read of the social life of street cats we encounter their hierarchies and the leaders among them, extraordinary displays of courage and friendship, different forms of motherhood, including joint motherhood, a compassionate attitude to the sick and the dying, cats teaching one another, and much more. I wrote the book to raise awareness of the lives of these beautiful animals wherever they are.
Please do check it out and let me know what you think. I'd love to hear from you.
http://www.amazon.com/My-Street-Cats-Personalities-Behavior/dp/1888820721
Read of how a sickly & unattractive tomcat sang his way to leadership of an alley cat community in "My Street Cats". These amazing animals never cease to surprise me!
All book sales go towards the ongoing care and TNR program for the cats in my neighborhood. So read a story, share with friends, help a cat! :-)
"My Street Cats" tells of a community of stray cats who lived in my garden in Jerusalem, where I fed and cared for them for over 14 years. The book provides a rare look into the lives of these cats not only as individuals, each with his or her distinctive personality, but also as members of a community. As we read of the social life of street cats we encounter their hierarchies and the leaders among them, extraordinary displays of courage and friendship, different forms of motherhood, including joint motherhood, a compassionate attitude to the sick and the dying, cats teaching one another, and much more. I wrote the book to raise awareness of the lives of these beautiful animals wherever they are.
Please do check it out and let me know what you think. I'd love to hear from you.
http://www.amazon.com/My-Street-Cats-Personalities-Behavior/dp/1888820721
There was no difference between light and dark. In the daylight hours my soul could play and frolic across meadows of golden buttercups. In the darkness of night my soul could find rest in the peace and tranquility, under the gentle glow of an amber moon
Maree de Suza
Maree de Suza
Check the blog to get your ticket for VetCAT: A Veterans' Creative Arts Therapy Program's WOMEN AT WAR play showing November 21 at UIC.
What VetCAT: A Veterans' Creative Arts Therapy Program's been up to...no big deal, just WRITING A PLAY!!!
http://apccchgo.wordpress.com/2013/11/15/what-vetcats-been-up-to/
http://apccchgo.wordpress.com/2013/11/15/what-vetcats-been-up-to/
Did you get your tickets yet for the VetCAT: A Veterans' Creative Arts Therapy Program show with Rivendell Theatre Ensemble called Women at War?!
November 21! Get your tickets now!
http://rivendelltheatre.org/
November 21! Get your tickets now!
http://rivendelltheatre.org/
Check out this awesome article about our VetCAT: A Veterans' Creative Arts Therapy Program.
Warrior artists--what a great phrase!
Warrior artists--what a great phrase!
Do you know about our awesome VetCAT program? Their page, VetCAT: A Veterans' Creative Arts Therapy Program, is a great way for service men & women to connect with one another.
#}